Chapter 21: Allergic and Anaphylactic Reactions

Question 1

allergic reaction

Answer 1

hypersensitivity reaction resulting from exposure to an allergen which can occur at any time and to anyone

Question 2

pruritus

Answer 2

mild localized reaction presenting as redness, itchy skin

Question 3

urticaria

Answer 3

edema or a mild systemic reaction resulting in widespread hives

Question 4

anaphylactic reaction/anaphylaxis

Answer 4

a systemic, multi-system, life-threatening condition with respiratory failure, circulatory collapse, and shock, associated with severe swelling of the upper and lower airways, constriction of the bronchioles, leakage of fluid from the capillaries, systemic vessel dilation, and an increased mucous production

Question 5

immune system

Answer 5

defense mechanism of the body to fight off invasion by foreign substances

Question 6

antigen

Answer 6

foreign substance

Question 7

allergen

Answer 7

specific tyoe of antigen

Question 8

immune response

Answer 8

immune system detects the antigen and produces antibodies

Question 9

antibodies

Answer 9

proteins that search for the antigen, combine with it, help to destroy it

Question 10

anaphylactic shock

Answer 10

cardiovascular collapse and hypotension with a life threatening response to an allergen

Question 11

IgE-mediated anaphylactic reaction

Answer 11

aka an anaphylactic reaction

Question 12

hypersensitivity

Answer 12

after the body is first exposed to an antigen, an anaphylactic reaction can occur when the person is exposed agian

Question 13

sensitization

Answer 13

developing hypersensitivity on the first exposure to an antigen

Question 14

histamine

Answer 14

primary chemical mediator released from mast cells and basophils, causes vasodilation, bronchoconstriction, and an increase in capillary permeability

Question 15

anaphylactoid reaction

Answer 15

when chemical mediators are released from the mast cells and basophils the first time the antigen is introduced into the body without the patient ever being sensitized

Question 16

non-IgE-mediated reaction

Answer 16

an anaphylactoid reaction

Question 17

ways an antigen can enter the body

Answer 17

• injection
• ingestion
• inhalation
• contact (absorption)

Question 18

most common method of antigens getting into body associated with anaphylactic reaction

Answer 18

injection

Question 19

hymenoptera

Answer 19

the majority of severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis related to insect bites. bees, vespids (wasps etc), stinging ants

Question 20

venom

Answer 20

from insect bites or stings, most often cause localized reaction

Question 21

foods

Answer 21

can cause reactions in some people

Question 22

pollen

Answer 22

can cause reactions in some people

Question 23

medications

Answer 23

known to cause reactions in some patients

Question 24

many other substances

Answer 24

can produce anaphylactic reactions

Question 25

exercise

Answer 25

can accentuate the anaphylactic response

Question 26

weather conditions

Answer 26

can trigger an anaphylactic response

Question 27

latex

Answer 27

most often found in exam gloves and other medical devices

Question 28

malaise

Answer 28

a generalized feeling of weakness/discomfort

Question 29

endotracheal intubation

Answer 29

placement of a tube in the trachea to facilitate breathing

Question 30

hives

Answer 30

urticaria, raised red blotches all over skin

Question 31

rhinitis

Answer 31

stuffy, runny, itchy nose

Question 32

two key categories of signs and symptoms that specifically indicate a severe anaphylactic reaction, patient needs epinephrine

Answer 32

• airway and respiratory compromise: airway occlusion, respiratory distress or respiratory failure with possible wheezing or stridor
• shock (hypoperfusion): absent or weak pulses, tachycardia, decreased BP, deteriorating mental status

Question 33

emergency medical care for anaphylactic reaction

Answer 33

• maintain a patent airway
• suction any secretions
• maintain adequate oxygenation
• be prepared to assist ventilation
• administer epinephrine
• consider calling ALS
• initiate early transport

Question 34

indicators of a severe systemic anaphylactic reaction

Answer 34

acute onset with involvement of skin, mucosal tissue, or baoth (hives, itching, flushing, redness, edema to face, lips, tongue)

AND

signs or symptoms of respiratory distress

AND/OR

signs or symptoms of poor perfusion or hypotension

Question 35

biphasic anaphylactic reaction

Answer 35

late stage reaction that occurs when the initial signs and symptoms resolve, can be life threatening, treated the same as an initial anaphylactic reaction

Question 36

epinephrine

Answer 36

drug of choice for emergency treatment of a systemic allergic reaction, mimics sympathetic nervous system, has alpha 1 (causes vessel constriction), alpha 2 (regulates amount of vasoconstriction), beta 1 (increases HR, force of contraction of heart, and speed at which electrical impulses are carried to heart), beta 2 (causes bronchiole smooth muscles to dilate) properties

Question 37

auto-injector

Answer 37

spring activated, concealed needle that is designed to deliver a precise dose of epinephrine when activated